MADAGASCAR SOCIAL PROTECTION SYSTEM IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19: WHAT LESSONS TO LEARN?

Abstract

In Madagascar like elsewhere, there is still a lack of hindsight and precise data to establish a rigorous observation of the economic, social and health consequences of the Covid-19 crisis. After 12 months of social distancing measures (partial and total lockdown measures started on March 2020, only to be released on April 2021), the social situation is extremely tense and economic activities are slowing down. In the absence of an inclusive social protection, the disruption of economic activities linked to the government's social distancing measures has left people in need. The response of emergency assistance measures, if it proved to be necessary to maintain social order, does not meet the needs of the population. In a logic of risk and disaster management, it appears that the more the preventive mechanisms cover a large part of the population with high levels of social rights, the less the emergency measures are necessary. However, the simple reproduction of programs developed in other socio-economic contexts cannot appropriately operate over time due to a strong dependence on international aid, a mismatch in employment structures and a mismatch in national policy and the reality. to the existing institutional structures in Madagascar. The covid-19 crisis could be an opportunity for low income and international aid dependent countries like Madagascar, to design, context specific, innovative and integrating social protection. International Journal of Applied Science and Engineering Review